Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

When Bennelong residents hear the words 'local journalism', a few key names are likely to come to mind. For those in Lane Cove, it's Jacky Barker. Jacky founded local independent news publication In the Cove 13 years ago to deliver community-first journalism for her suburb of Lane Cove. Through an abundance of social media posts, newsletters, articles and, of course, the infamous In the Cove chat, locals in Lane Cove have been kept informed about matters from lost dogs to 'breadgate' and to plenty of local, state and federal government matters, of course. In the Cove also promotes community events for schools, sports clubs and not-for-profits. They connect small businesses with potential customers and share thousands of stories that would otherwise go untold in our modern media landscape.

A few weeks ago, In the Cove made the huge announcement that Jacky Barker is retiring from her role. She's passing the baton to long-time business partner Renee Merrill-Maxwell, who has been a crucial part of In the Cove for the past eight years. While we're all shocked to see Jacky go, Bennelong and Lane Cove are immensely grateful for her work and what she started and has achieved.

In a world of increasing misinformation and fake news, backing trusted publishers and authors is more important than ever. Jacky has devoted herself to this cause and made invaluable contributions through her work. All the best in retirement, Jacky, and long liveIn the Cove.

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